Anyone else have issues with intonation on their baritone? Mine is a Martin. It has a beautiful sound. But as you go up the neck toward the bridge, it gets more and more out of tune - especially on the 3rd string. On an electric with an adjustable bridge it's an easy fix. Any ideas on how to fix this on a baritone acoustic?

My Alvarez ABT60 has arrived. I ordered the Alvarez to experiment with before sinking big $$ into a baritone. For embarassingly under $400, this is the guitar bargain of the decade; sounds and plays at multiples above its price point; even has abalone inlay. The classy HSC is a winner too; beige canvas skin w/faux leather trim . I'm eager to experiment with different strings to get the best from it. I already call it my goosebump guitar.

The tunes I want to immediately start working on each have different tunings, and I'm quickly becoming confused. I have two initial question for experienced baritoners:

1. Are alternate tunings always downward on all affected strings?

2. Should I have any concern about tuning a step or two higher if the tuning pushes lower strings into the really gravelly bass range? A capo won't work because several parts use frets above 15.

"Walden’s new baritone acoustic has a grand auditorium body with a solid Sitka spruce top, laminated rosewood back and sides, bone nut and saddle, rosewood fretboard and bridge, and tuning machines with soft, vulcanized knobs. It’s priced at $800 for the acoustic and $1,100 for the acoustic-electric, and both come with a hardshell case. www.waldenguitars.com"

I'm awaiting delivery of my Alvarez Baritone and came across this group. I love the idea of a baritone for dark Celtic airs and slack key but the "proof's in the puddng". If the ABT60 is made as nicely made and sounds as good as their AP70 from the same series, it will be a great bargain. I'll know in a few days.

Read about Pat Metheny and the way he tunes his baritone, with the 3rd and 4th string raised and octave, and a fifth below standard, ie. ADGCEA. Tried it out, and it really opens up the sound in closed "jazz" chord voicings. Well worth a try!